Harish Rawat is front-runner to replace Uttarakhand CM Vijay Bahuguna

NEW DELHI: Union minister Harish Rawat has emerged as the front-runner to replace Uttarakhand Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna, as the Congress high command tries to salvage the party prospects in the state for the Lok Sabha polls.

An AICC team comprising general secretary in charge of the state Ambika Soni, Ghulam Nabi Azad and some others will reach Dehra Dun in a few days to oversee the change of guard. A small section of the AICC is also lobbying for senior leader Indira Hridayesh for the CM post.

Bahuguna, who was in Delhi a couple of days ago, has already been sounded out of his exit. Soni has also held detailed discussions with stake holders in the state.

Many Uttarakhand Congress MLAs and leaders are camping in Delhi, anticipating an early decision. Azad and Union Home Minister SK Shinde may be sent as party observers to preside over the change of guard, a source said.

The urgency to act has come after the high command realised that Bahuguna has proved ineffective in providing a productive leadership to the state.